Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph

12-31-2023Weekly ReflectionFr. Bing Colasito

Things to Treasure in Our Heart

To be part of a family is one of the greatest blessings anyone should be THANKFUL. Every child is a blessing, a gift from God, and a gift from His creative nature. As soon as the baby is born, some parents already have high hopes and dreams for their children. Extended families, especially the grandparents would play and make wishes of how and who the child would be (future). Whatever our dreams for our children, may we not forget to create an atmosphere so they may grow to be strong, full of wisdom, the fear of the Lord instilled, and nourished by the word of God and the values of the Kingdom.

The New Year 2024 starts with the Solemnity of Mary, the mother of God. Thus, it is fitting to begin the year with a reflection of Mary. One of the Blessed Mother’s qualities is her ability totreasure everything in her heart.What are the things that we treasure in our hearts?

1. Hakuna Matatais aSwahiliphrase that meansno worries and take it easy. The Walt Disney movie The Lion King made this phrase famous in one of its most popular songs. Short to say, don’t worry, be happy. There is a saying:There isn’t no need to worry. If you’ve got control over it, you don’t need to worry. Because you’ve got control over it. And if you don’t have control over it, you don’t need to worry because you don’t have control over it. Remember what Jesus said:Can anyone, by worrying, add a moment to their life span? (Mt. 6:27)
2. Play together and live together I am always surprised to see children playing coming from different cultural backgrounds, races, and nationalities. They don’t need a lot of introductions; they hit it off as soon as they start playing. Somebody said; the reason children are less prejudiced is because they can play more and play together.
3. If we cangive a piece of our heart, we can give everything, and it’s nothing A child was born with several internal organ defects. At three (3), the mother gave one of her kidneys to her. At five (5), she gave a piece of her liver. After the two transplants, a nurse asked the mother if it was hard for her to do it. She answered: When you have given your whole heart to someone, a kidney and a piece of liver are nothing.
   When we look at Jesus crucified, we should be reminded that He gave His Sacred Heart to us, and whatever we ask of Him (a piece of forgiveness, mercy, and compassion) is nothing. Indeed, if, while we were enemies, we were reconciled to God through the death of his Son, how much more, once reconciled, will we be saved by his life? (Rom. 5:10)
4. People forget and deny God.Still, God knows them; they are all His children A parent faithfully visited their daughter for 18 years in an institution for the mentally ill. Their story attracted national attention A news reporter asked them: Why do you keep coming here? Regularly, both of you come here and talk to your daughter; she doesn’t know you. She doesn’t respond to both of you. What good is it visiting her? The mother replied: She doesn’t know us, but we know her. She is our daughter; we are her father and mother. The point is: We cannot lose heart at people who do not seem to respond to God or those who do not seem to know Him. That is okay! God knows them; they are all His children.

God did not put LOVE in our hearts to stay. Love isn’t love till we give it away.